chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l  -ˌmēl 

variants or camomile

1

: a perennial composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see aromatic entry 1 sense 1) foliage and flower heads

2

: any of several composite plants (such as genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile

especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized (see naturalize sense 4) in North America

3

: the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Line a winding path with non-toxic, fragrant plants such as lavender, rosemary, chamomile and wheatgrass, confirming each one is dog-safe first. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Popular natural herbs include chamomile to calm, lemon balm to soothe nerves and passionflower to reduce brain activity. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Baking bread with a zesty hint of lemon peel intermixed with complex notes of chamomile and candied violets. — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Plus, thanks to aloe vera and chamomile extract, the formula soothes sensitive, delicate skin. — Jenny Berg, Glamour, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chamomile

• campanile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle
• bile
• chyle

Kids Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl, 

-ˌmēl

1

: an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads

2

: the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

Medical Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl  -ˌmēl 

1

a

: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower heads

b

: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria)

especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized in North America

2

: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties